One of the most important things players should remember when learning defense is to be proactive, not reactive. Being proactive means that they go after the ball and the opponent, instead of waiting for the other team to come to them.
The following youth basketball drills hone essential defense skills that will challenge players both physically and mentally and prepare them for any defense situation. With practice and determination, each player can bring his/her defense game to the next level.
Line Individual Defense Drill
The purpose of this drill is for offensive players to practice dribbling and to try to get around their defender for a basket. For defensive players, it is to prevent the offensive player from getting close enough to the basket to score.
For this drill, the players create four lines on the baseline. The lines should face each other, so that each player has a partner that is opposite from them. Every other player needs a ball.
The players will form alternating defensive and offensive stances. While the offensive player zigzags down the court, practicing their dribbling, the defensive player keeps defensive distance and makes sure they are always between their opponent and the basket. Once the drill is completed, the players switch positions and repeat the routine.
Closeout Basketball Drill
This defensive basketball drill ideally involves two players, one ball, and one basket. The defensive player stands under the basket with the ball. The offensive player stands 15-18 feet away from the basket.
The defensive player cleanly passes the ball to the offensive player and immediately moves to defend. The defensive player closes out while the offensive player tries to make a basket. Things get tricky because the offensive player is limited to only two dribbles. The drill ends when a basket is made or the defensive player gains possession of the ball.
Three-on-three/Four-on-four Half Court
This drill provides an opportunity for players to practice the defensive skills they learned on an individual level in a team situation. Players form teams of three or four and play half court games, applying defensive techniques to different offensive plays.
When engaging in a team scrimmage, coaches should emphasize the need for players to work together as a team. Defenders should always know where their teammates are and if there are any gaps that might allow the other team to score.
Half-court games are a great way to practice before a real competition. As long as coaches keep the atmosphere light and competition doesn’t get too aggressive, players will learn to think on their feet and coordinate as a group.
For more free basketball coaching drills, tips, plays and practice ideas, visit my blog at http://www.online-basketball-drills.com/
The following youth basketball drills hone essential defense skills that will challenge players both physically and mentally and prepare them for any defense situation. With practice and determination, each player can bring his/her defense game to the next level.
Line Individual Defense Drill
The purpose of this drill is for offensive players to practice dribbling and to try to get around their defender for a basket. For defensive players, it is to prevent the offensive player from getting close enough to the basket to score.
For this drill, the players create four lines on the baseline. The lines should face each other, so that each player has a partner that is opposite from them. Every other player needs a ball.
The players will form alternating defensive and offensive stances. While the offensive player zigzags down the court, practicing their dribbling, the defensive player keeps defensive distance and makes sure they are always between their opponent and the basket. Once the drill is completed, the players switch positions and repeat the routine.
Closeout Basketball Drill
This defensive basketball drill ideally involves two players, one ball, and one basket. The defensive player stands under the basket with the ball. The offensive player stands 15-18 feet away from the basket.
The defensive player cleanly passes the ball to the offensive player and immediately moves to defend. The defensive player closes out while the offensive player tries to make a basket. Things get tricky because the offensive player is limited to only two dribbles. The drill ends when a basket is made or the defensive player gains possession of the ball.
Three-on-three/Four-on-four Half Court
This drill provides an opportunity for players to practice the defensive skills they learned on an individual level in a team situation. Players form teams of three or four and play half court games, applying defensive techniques to different offensive plays.
When engaging in a team scrimmage, coaches should emphasize the need for players to work together as a team. Defenders should always know where their teammates are and if there are any gaps that might allow the other team to score.
Half-court games are a great way to practice before a real competition. As long as coaches keep the atmosphere light and competition doesn’t get too aggressive, players will learn to think on their feet and coordinate as a group.
For more free basketball coaching drills, tips, plays and practice ideas, visit my blog at http://www.online-basketball-drills.com/
Practice in your style and identify your strengths –we offer youth basketball drills in groups and individual sessions at St. Louis area.
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